What Is Sick Building Syndrome and Is It Real?
Last updated October 23, 2026
The short answer
Recognizing the Symptoms
People with Sick Building Syndrome report a cluster of non-specific symptoms that improve after they leave the building. Common complaints include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. You might also experience irritation of your eyes, nose, or throat, along with a dry cough or itchy skin. These symptoms often appear in multiple occupants, but the exact cause can be difficult to pinpoint initially.
The key identifier is the link between your location and how you feel. Symptoms typically start or worsen after entering the building and fade after you leave. If you and others in your Chandler home or office notice this pattern, it suggests an environmental factor is at play. Keeping a simple log of when and where symptoms occur can help identify the source.
Common Causes in Buildings
The syndrome is often driven by poor indoor air quality. Biological contaminants like mold, bacteria, and dust mites are frequent culprits. These thrive in damp environments created by water leaks, high humidity, or condensation. Chemical pollutants from cleaning supplies, adhesives, or off-gassing from new furnishings can also degrade the air you breathe.
Inadequate ventilation is a major contributing factor. When fresh air circulation is limited, pollutants and moisture become concentrated indoors. This is especially relevant in tightly sealed, energy-efficient homes. Everyday activities like cooking and showering add moisture to the air. Without proper exhaust, this moisture settles and can lead to hidden water damage and mold growth.
The Role of Water Damage
Unresolved water damage is a primary catalyst for the conditions that cause Sick Building Syndrome. Persistent dampness behind walls, under flooring, or in ceilings creates a perfect habitat for mold and microbial growth. These organisms release spores and volatile organic compounds into your indoor air, which can trigger the symptoms associated with the syndrome.
Even a small, slow leak from a pipe, appliance, or roof can go unnoticed for a long time. The resulting hidden moisture damages building materials and degrades air quality. In a hot, dry climate, high outdoor humidity at certain times can worsen indoor moisture problems if your home's ventilation and air conditioning systems are not properly maintained.
- Hidden leaks from plumbing inside walls or under slabs.
- Condensation around windows, pipes, or inside HVAC ductwork.
- Past flooding that was not thoroughly dried and cleaned.
- Overflow from a clogged air conditioner drain line.
- High indoor humidity from poor ventilation or AC issues.
- Slow seepage from a foundation or roof during heavy rains.
Steps to Investigate and Address It
Your first step is a thorough visual inspection of your home. Look for visible signs of water intrusion, such as stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint, warped flooring, or a musty odor. Check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for any signs of dampness or previous leaks. Identifying and fixing the source of moisture is the most critical action.
Improving ventilation can provide immediate relief. Run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and open windows when weather permits. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas. If you suspect hidden water damage or mold, it is wise to consult with local water damage pros for a professional inspection. They have tools to detect moisture you cannot see.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a doctor to rule out other medical conditions. For the building itself, professional help is needed when you find or suspect hidden water damage. Water damage pros can conduct a detailed inspection using moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the problem, which is often greater than what is visible.
These professionals can then develop a plan to dry the structure completely, remove damaged materials, and clean the air. This process addresses the root cause of poor indoor air quality. If significant mold is found, a separate mold assessment professional may be required. Remember, policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered for such remediation work.
Need help right now?
Call (480) 526-4676 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (480) 526-4676Frequently asked questions
Can Sick Building Syndrome cause long-term health problems?
For most people, symptoms are temporary and subside after leaving the contaminated environment. However, prolonged exposure to certain biological agents like mold can potentially lead to chronic respiratory issues or allergic sensitization in some individuals. If you feel unwell, it is important to see a doctor and address the building's air quality.
How is Sick Building Syndrome different from a mold allergy?
A mold allergy is a specific immune response to mold spores. Sick Building Syndrome is a broader set of symptoms linked to a building, which may be caused by mold, chemicals, poor ventilation, or a combination. The syndrome diagnosis applies when a specific cause like a single mold species cannot be conclusively identified as the sole culprit.
Who should I call to test my home for this syndrome?
There is no single test for Sick Building Syndrome. Start with a home inspection focused on moisture and air quality. Local water damage pros can check for hidden leaks and moisture. For detailed air testing for mold spores or specific chemicals, you would contact an industrial hygienist or an environmental testing firm.